Why Online Learning is so Hot Right Now

We hear this saying often, and unfortunately, only too frequently from people looking to land a good job or increase their earning potential at their current position.

That's because so many people are realizing their education did not provide them with the skills they need to really progress with their current company or get the type of job that lets them earn top dollar.

Even if you have a degree from a 4-year college, chances are, you picked your major based on what you were interested in back then--not based on what today’s job market demands.

While the overall economy is still mired in recession and unemployment rates are sky-high, the truth is, there are certain types of jobs that are in huge demand, and for which there is a severe shortage of skilled workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has identified a number of professions expected to experience above-average growth over the next decade. Most of these positions fall within the top 25 percent of earnings for workers overall, and most require a bachelor's degree or technical degree.

These in-demand jobs include online marketing, medical information, administration, and other skilled health care workers; Web programmers and designers, and accountants and financial administrators--just to name just a few. For many, the fastest and easiest way to qualify for these jobs is with the right degree.

And, it’s for that reason that online learning is so hot right now.

The development of the Internet has led many universities to create degree programs that are designed to make it easy for people of any age to gain the specific skills that companies are hungry for. These degrees can be completed entirely online. Because you are not required to attend conventional classes, you can complete these degrees on your schedule, taking courses at the time and place of your choosing--including in the evening or on your lunch break.

Financial assistance and government grants make online degrees a bargain

Because you complete these online degrees from home at your own pace, the cost of earning a degree is significantly less than what you might expect, and far less than a traditional university degree.

The recent federal stimulus law also makes millions of dollars available to help reduce the costs of getting a degree online. In fact, the majority of the bill’s $70 billion education budget is devoted to helping low-to-middle income Americans get college degrees.People who qualify can receive as much as $2,500 in education reimbursements each year.

Even if you don’t qualify for a grant, many online universities provide additional tuition assistance, and can help you get financial aid to help offset the costs of the program.

Is there an online degree that makes sense for you?

Today, there are many, many options for getting an online degree, and the process of choosing the right program can be daunting. Fortunately, a new free service from a company called YourDegree.com has been designed to help you do just that.

YourDegree.com has created an easy-to-use website where you can quickly research a wide range of online degrees. They are an unbiased agency representing dozens of the best online learning programs in America. YourDegree.com gives you the facts about costs, degree offerings, job placement help, time commitments, academic faculty, and other important information you need before choosing the right program for you.

So, if your goal is find the best job in a tough economy, or give yourself the most earning potential in your existing position, perhaps you should take a serious look at an online degree. And, if you want to find the best options for you, YourDegree.com is the place to start.